Cartel Roasting Co. — Restaurant in Phoenix

I like the coffee options but there are times when I want to try something new and ask the barrista for suggestions. Usually they have ideas and are excited to share. I dont know if it was this particular day or this barrista, but she didn't seem to have any recommendations and didn't want to deviate from the menu choices. There aren't many choices. She wasn't mean or rude, but after two attempts at trying to have her help me I gave up and picked from the regular menu choices. I enjoyed the lemon bar more than my coffee. I also find cartel a bit on the pricey side for coffee. I know oat milk is still an upcharge but 2x 16 oz coffee with oat milk and a lemon bar was more than $22 (l.b. is ~5).. before tip too. I think my expectation for an experience doesn't...

Happy to finally see a Cartel Coffee in midtown! Excellent coffee, knowledgeable staff, and pleasant vibes make this place a must.

Finding it can be confusing, as it’s tucked into a hotel with almost no signage to let you know where it’s at. Parking is tight and inconvenient, making it less than ideal for a grab and go. Unfortunately, the interior is super small, and the tiny patio is mere feet from Camelback Rd, so it’s not great for meeting folks or hanging out, either.

But if you can overlook the quirky aspects of the location, Cartel makes some of the best coffee in the Valley, and it’s worth the little...

First, I come to Cartel fairly often (a few times a month), and it’s consistently great every time. I typically pick up a bag of whole beans, which are always super fresh and roasted within the last few days. I also get a hot or iced latte, and that’s great as well.

However, after my visit yesterday morning (9/5) around 7am ish, I am compelled to write a review. Whoever was working made the most magnificent hot latte I’ve had in a very long time, if not ever. Perfectly balanced, texture was divine, latte art slayed. I’ll be chasing that high for a long...